Supporting traumatised children through Kids Life Coaching
Australia needs our prayers after the devastating fires they experienced. The children who are traumatised need support not only in the short-term for their trauma during the fires but over the long-term as they regroup. This is possible through Kids Life coaching along with psycho-social support from a multi-disciplinary team.
Some tips for you....
✅Parents may be scared and feel the need to shield their children but this isn’t good for long-term mental health of both the parent and the child. Healing needs talking...talking that is conducive to processing trapped emotions.
✅The aim is to talk openly about the facts on a need to know and age appropriate basis.
✅Give children the opportunity to ask questions and answer them without excessive shielding. Just be honest. If they don’t hear it from a responsible adult they may hear a blown up version from another child.
✅Keep children (and yourself) away from the news and repeating news cycles. They are anxiety inducing and can cause re-traumatisation.
✅Adult anxiety can often compound child anxiety so whilst showing emotions is good, keeping it together through relaxation techniques such as breathing and mindfulness can go a long way. Model this to children so that they have coping strategies for combatting the stress response.
✅Trauma may not visibly manifest in the early stages but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Often parents wait until their child displays “behavioural” or “emotional” problems before seeking help. This is the exact opposite of what should happen and this is why a Kids Life Coach is so beneficial.
✅Explain how trauma effects the brain in a simple way. Understanding what personal triggers to look for is empowering and knowledge gives children a sense of control.
✅Nurture daily gratitude as a habitual practice to combat overwhelming feelings. Getting children into the habit of switching their looping negative thoughts is a game changer.
✅Keep playing!!!! This is the language of childhood and especially in times of distress it is still okay to play. Encourage games, crafts and creative activities. These are all part of the healing process.
If you are a Kids Life coach in Australia let us know how we can be of support to you so that you can better support the children in your community.
Sending much love and strength your way! ❤️🙏
Regards with Zeal,
Zelna
Kids Life Studio & Kids Life Coach Academy Founder
